Transfer Road Prescribed Burn
in Colorado PlateauThe United States Wildland Fire Service continued solid progress on today’s prescribed fire operations along Transfer Road. Ignitions are now complete, and all assigned fire resources have transitioned into a holding and monitoring pattern for the remainder of the operational period.
Crews successfully completed the planned 139 acres, consistent with the burn plan objectives.
Fire personnel will staff and patrol the burn throughout the weekend to ensure the area remains secure and to monitor interior consumption and smoke impacts. Precipitation is expected this weekend, which may assist with continued mop-up and overall burn-down conditions.
This prescribed fire remains fully controlled and planned as part of ongoing fuels‑reduction and habitat‑improvement efforts.
Transfer Road Prescribed Burn Update 10/09/2026The United States Wildland Fire Service is taking advantage of excellent environmental conditions today, providing an ideal window for safe and effective prescribed burning operations on the Transfer Road project area.
A test fire was initiated at 10:15 a.m., and after confirming successful fire behavior and appropriate smoke dispersion, primary ignitions are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Crews plan to treat approximately 139 acres today in accordance with the established burn plan.
As main ignitions begin, increased smoke will be visible from long distances, including areas around Delta, Olathe, and Montrose. This smoke is normal and expected during prescribed burning operations.
Please do not call 911.
This is a planned, controlled prescribed burn conducted by trained personnel from the United States Wildland Fire Service to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance long‑term ecosystem health.
Transfer Road Prescribed Burn Update 10/07/202648‑Hour Public Notification: Transfer Road Prescribed BurnPlanned Ignition Date: FridayLocation: BLM‑managed lands southwest of Olathe, near the BLM/Forest Service boundary along Transfer Road.
OverviewThe U.S. Wildland Fire Service, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management’s Uncompahgre Field Office, is planning to conduct the Transfer Road Prescribed Burn this Friday, pending favorable weather, fuel moisture, staffing, and smoke‑dispersion conditions. This operation is part of a long‑term fuels‑reduction strategy designed to reduce the risk of high‑intensity wildfires and improve ecosystem health across public lands in western Colorado.
Project Details• The prescribed burn will be a broadcast burn located near the BLM/USFS boundary along Transfer Road, an area known to have heavy accumulations of woody material that have contributed to extreme fire behavior in recent local fires such as the South Rim, Turner Gulch, and Sowbelly incidents. • This treatment supports improved habitat conditions for elk and deer by enhancing forage and reducing fuel loading. • Fire personnel will remain on site throughout the day of ignition and will patrol the area for several days after the burn to ensure safety and containment.
What the Public Can Expect• Smoke will be visible throughout the day on Friday, especially during warmer afternoon periods. Smoke may linger into the evening and settle in nearby drainages and low‑lying areas. • Drivers along Transfer Road may see smoke, equipment, and fire personnel. Please slow down and use caution if smoke is present.• Short‑term smoke impacts are possible near nearby communities and travel corridors
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Prescribed Burn Southwest of Olathe update 9/24/2026
Incident OverviewThe U.S. Wildland Fire Service will conduct a prescribed burn on BLM lands southwest of Olathe, near the Forest Service boundary along Transfer Road. This operation is part of ongoing fuels‑reduction work aimed at improving landscape health and reducing the risk of high‑intensity wildfires.
Planned ActionsFire personnel will ignite and manage low‑intensity broadcast burning within designated units as conditions allow. Crews will remain on site during ignition and will patrol and monitor the area for several days following the burn.
Objectives• Reduce hazardous fuel loads• Support vegetation and habitat health• Lower the potential for extreme wildfire behavior• Increase protection for nearby private property and critical infrastructure
Smoke NoticeSmoke will be visible during the day, and evening smoke may settle in low‑lying areas. Short‑term smoke impacts are possible near Transfer Road and surrounding drainages.
SafetyThe public is asked to avoid the project area during operations. Drivers should use caution if smoke is present along roadways.
Planned Timing Update – Potential Ignition This SundayFire managers are evaluating conditions for a possible ignition this upcoming Sunday. As always, the prescribed burn will only proceed if weather, fuel moisture, staffing, and smoke‑dispersion conditions meet all required parameters for safe operations.
If conditions align, ignition may begin late morning or early afternoon, with fire personnel on site throughout the day and into the evening to monitor and secure the area. A final Go/No‑Go determination will be made the morning of the planned burn.
—————————————————————————————————————-Transfer Road Area UPDATE 11/17/2025 Due to changing weather conditions, the current prescription for the Transfer Rd. RX is no longer valid for continued burning operations. Fire crews have concluded activities for this season and will reassess conditions in 2026 to determine opportunities for safe and effective continuation.The decision reflects our commitment to public safety, resource protection, and adherence to prescribed fire objectives. We appreciate the community’s support and patience as we work to ensure the right conditions are in place before resuming.————————————————————————————————————-
Transfer Road Area UPDATE 11/6/2025 Fire crews successfully treated 51 acres as part of the Transfer Road RX. While active ignitions are done, firefighters will continue patrolling all fire lines through the weekend to ensure safety and containment.Smoke may still be visible over the recently treated 51-acre burn area. This is expected and part of normal post-burn conditions.
Please use caution when traveling or recreating near the area, and avoid reporting smoke unless you see active flames or immediate danger. Fire crews remain on patrol through the weekend to ensure safety.
—————————————————————————–🔥 Prescribed Burn Alert – Transfer Road Area UPDATE 11/3/2025🔥 The BLM Uncompahgre Field Office is planning a broadcast prescribed burn southwest of Olathe near the Forest Service boundary along Transfer Road, tomorrow 11/4/2025 - 11/6/2025. Purpose: To reduce hazardous fuels, lower wildfire risk, and protect critical infrastructure from future wildfire. What to Expect:Smoke will be visible during the day, especially in warmer hoursEvening smoke may settle in low-lying areasFire crews will be on site during ignition and patrol the area for several days———————————————————————————————————–
🔥 Prescribed Burn Planned Near Transfer Road – Fall 2025 🔥The Bureau of Land Management’s Uncompahgre Field Office will conduct a broadcast prescribed burn southwest of Olathe this fall, along the BLM/Forest Service boundary near Transfer Road.
This burn is part of a proactive strategy to reduce hazardous fuels and lower the risk of extreme wildfire behavior, as seen in recent local fires (South Rim, Turner Gulch, Sowbelly). It also aims to improve habitat for elk and deer while helping protect nearby private property and critical infrastructure from future wildfire threats.
📅 Timing: Dependent on favorable weather and fire conditions
👨🚒 On-Site Crews: Firefighters will be present during ignition and will monitor the area for several days post-burn
🌫️ Smoke Notice: Expect visible smoke during the day, especially in warmer hours. Evening smoke may settle in low-lying areas
🏠 Community Safety: Crews will take precautions to safeguard adjacent private lands, homes, and infrastructure throughout the operation
Please check back for future dates and burn announcements.
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